Orkney Dark Island Reserve

Brewed by Orkney (Sinclair Breweries)
Style: Barley Wine
Stromness, Orkney, Highlands & Islands, Scotland

When I die, I want to be buried in an old, well-used oak barrel, bourbon or single-malt preferably. I wouldn’t recommend digging me up after a few decades, rot and all, but at least then my body can properly mature in the same vein as some of the most supple, heavenly inspired spirituous drinks in the world; especially beer and whisky. Mm… pardon me while I wipe the drool from my mouth.

Deep clear orange with amber highlights streaking across her depths, a simple head fades nonchalantly into oblivion, leaving nary a bubble or trail of lace to call her own. That’s ok, because they would just get in the way of her voluminous nose. Sun-soaked white raisins dripping rum juice, plump, moist, and ripe for the taking are met with maple drizzles and cinnamon sticks. Lightly toasted brown sugars crunch atop rich, sticky dark fruits. All of this leads to a smooth finish of butterscotch, sweet whisky notes, and vanilla tinged oak tannins. Pinch me, I must be dreaming. As we meet in a lusty frenzy, I am surprised by how lean and clean-cut her body and mouthfeel is. Fresh oak sits comfortably next to brushed leather while moist pitted dark fruits loom closer on the horizon. Her sweet side is all caramel and maple syrup of the finest quality; no adjuncts or additives here. Nutmeg and cinnamon whisper atop my tongue and mingle in my lingering breath. Each sup and breath is clean, warm, and tinged with butterscotch and whisky. Usually ales aged in whisky barrels are heavy, rich, and more of a sipping brew then a quaffing brew. The Orkney Dark Island Reserve Orcadian Ale Aged in Whisky Casks is clean, balanced, and very sessionable in spite of, or maybe because of her wondrously whisky influenced palate.

Well played. If you happen to come across a bottle, make sure to bring one home. Usually I would say to age it, but I think she is best enjoyed fresher than older. Of course, you could always find out for yourself, but I thought she was spot-on just the way she was.

Bottled 2007, purchased early 08 at Hi Time Wine, consumed - after many failed tasting attempts - in June 09. Nose is great - of earth, oak, whiskey, vanilla (lightly, dank fruit. Color is pitch black with a thicker bright brown head. Flavor is big with chocolate, malt, much roastiness, mellow coffee and light earth. Really reminded me of BCS, shockingly. Very relaxing beer for cold weather. All warm, no burn.

Pours a thick black/darkbrown color with a thin dark brown head. Aroma is peat smoke with a bit of a metallic twang, some roasted malt, raisins. Flavor is dark fruit, smoke, some vinous notes and a good peaty whiskey character. Palate builds through the back of the beer and goes from a little smokey to a little sweet. Very nice.

Thanks to KnN for sharing. Pours dark brown almost black with a thin dark brown head. Aroma of sweet malt, cherry, whisky, and chocolate. Flavors of whiskey, cherry, dark chocolate and some warming alcohol. Starts kind of thin then exploded in your mouth with flavor. Very nice. Couldn’t drink a whole bottle myself, but nice to sip.

Sampled bottle at beer festival. Black body without much head. Almost no carbonation. Flavour is smoke, alcohol and raisins.

Bottle thanks to Sloth, sampled on 5/22/08: Pours a mostly opaque dark mahogany with a spotty-lacing dark tan head. Aroma of sweet dark caramel and roasty notes with a touch of oxidation and smoky peat. Body starts fairly full and rich caramel malty sweet with good, mild balance of smoky peat and scotch barrel flavor. A very enjoyable and dangerously drinkable Scotch ale.

Bottle from Beers of Europe. Very dark brown with a small beige head. Caramel aronma with hints of whisky and oak. Richer in the mouth though caramel maltiness still has the last word. Some spicy fruit and vanilla. Solid alcohol, good dryness. Body is a bit hard. i had very high expectations, and must admit that I was disappointed. It is not Brew Dog.

Bottle. Poured a black color with not much head. Aroma of whiskey, buttery malt, a bit roasted and sweet malt. Flavor was pretty nice; roasted, woody, whiskey, with some fruit and a light hop finish. Overall it was a drinkable and solid example of the style.